richmke

Looks like the USD has peaked (at least against the Euro). I expect the value of the USD to slide all year.

That and $5 will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks.

Check out the price of One-Way car rental from POM and MIA to FLL. No reason to go to the airport if you don't have too. Many of the Car Rental companies have shuttles from the POM terminal to their rental locations.

>Not sure this will fit our family?

Two twin beds (convert to king) and one upper pullman. A trundle bed will be provided if a fourth guest is booked to this stateroom. Desk and seat. Full bathroom with shower. 3 closets. Picture window.

So, you get:

2 twin beds (or one king)

Upper Pullman

Trundle bed (rolls under the Twin)

> Any thoughts about this location?

The room is Aft (which I think is fine)

One deck above the lowest, so should have less motion

The deck above is more cabins, so you don't have to worry about dancing above you late at night.

What's your concern about the location?

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Unfortunately we are limited to deck 6 only:( when booking as we needed 3 rooms close together and deck 2 did not have that availability.

Can you get cabins on different decks near the same stairwell? Walking up/down a flight (or even the elevator) is not so bad.

I had a Deck 1 cabin right by the elevator. It was a quick ride up to Lido Deck for coffee runs. I thought the location was great.

The movement of the ship is pretty linear. Deck 6 would be about 1/'2 the motion between Deck 2 and Deck 11.

However, forward gets a little more motion than mid-ship.

So, Mid Deck 6 would be a little less than 1/2 way between Mid Deck 2 and Forward Deck 11.

You didn't say if weather was materially different (stormy Deck 11 vs. calm Deck 2).

If your wife had issues with Aft MDR (deck 3/4), I would recommend a low deck.

I plugged my laptop into the 220v outlet. The Glory has universal 220v socket, and most computer bricks are dual voltage.

The laptop has 4 usb ports, and I could charge all the other electronics off that.

That left the 110v outlet free for my wife's coiffing.

Note: With only one device plugged into an outlet, Carnival is not worried about you overloading the extension cord.

Note2: The shaver outlet in the bathroom can also charge a phone (but not much more).

0) Load the Hub App prior to boarding the ship. You won't have access to the App Store unless you buy full internet access.

1) Connect your device to the Ship's wifi.

At that point, the Hub App will work. You have to login to the Hub App with your card # and date of birth.

Only one device can be logged into the hub app (per card #) at a time. So if you have an ipad and an iphone, when you log into one, you log out of the other.

2) If you want to use other internet services, you then need to login/purchase internet access. Go to your browser, and the login/purchase screen will load.

You can only have one device logged in at a time. If you log in with another device, it will ask if you want to log out another device. Note: I did not see a way to have 2 accounts for 2 devices, other than someone else's Sign and Sail card number (cabin mate).

Note: this is a separate login from the Hub App login.

3) The level of internet service you purchase determines what sites you can access and the speed. Social Media basically works with apps that access social media sites. I am not sure if you can access sites like Facebook from a browser if you only have Social Media access.

I'm asking because my family can't remember their passwords (since they are already logged in via the app) and they would need to reset them before we sail.

From the App's point of view, it doesn't know. Either it can connect, or it cannot. Once you purchase Social Media Access, the app will connect.

So: You don't have to change the PW as long as the App doesn't ask for it (some apps do). However, you should probably change the PW prior to departure, just in case you need it during the cruise. Being in the middle of the ocean, and having to upgrade internet access just to change the PW is not a situation you want to be in.

If you guys were flying to a foreign country then many require 3-6months left on your passport to enter.

You are taking a closed loop cruise to USA ports so there is no foreign country involved. The only one is IF you go to Canada which does NOT require any more than that your passport be valid while you are there.

^^^ This

Taking a birth certificate along is totally unnecessary and wouldn't help you in a foreign country anyway!

It is to help you get back into the USA in the event you are delayed (hospitalized in Canada) and your passport expires before you get back to the USA.

Also:

Identification requirements for U. S. citizens and permanent residents {entering Canada}

 

If you are a U.S. citizen, ensure you carry proof of citizenship such as a passport, birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship or naturalization, or a Certificate of Indian Status along with photo identification. If you are a U.S. permanent resident, ensure you carry proof of your status such as a U.S. Permanent Resident Card.

 

http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/travel-voyage/td-dv-eng.html#_s2a

{Re-entry into USA by USA Citizens}

U.S. Citizens on closed-loop cruises will be able to enter or depart the country on the cruise with proof of citizenship, such as an original or copy of his or her birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where he or she was born) and, if 16 or older, a government issued photo ID.

 

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1139/~/documents-needed-to-take-a-cruise

So, you do not need to renew your passport. But, bring your birth certificate in case there is a problem. It will get you into Canada and the USA.

Actually we've asked our stewards for wine glasses to drink the wine we brought onboard and they always bring us the glasses.

Did that the first day. On subsequent days, we took glasses of wine to the MDR, and brought back the clean glass.

I cannot believe how many people are willing to steal soap.

Although the soap is in a sealed container, I would have a problem if I knew the unused soap is left for the next passenger.

A card laid, is a card played. Once the soap is left in the cabin, it is "used". If the passenger takes it, no loss to Carnival since it should have been thrown away anyway.

Now, if they go ask the Cabin Steward for a box of soap, that is a different issue.

If I keep putting the soap away to unclutter the bathroom, and Carnival keeps leaving new ones ... That's their choice, not mine.

I suppose a similar argument could be made about the mini-bar. That seems a little different to me. The bathroom is subject to so much more use that can "dirty" anything left there.

I can't figure out why anyone would choose a ship excursion over a private one.

Carnival offered 20% off excursions if we booked them within 48 hours of making our final payment. Helped reduce the price difference between Carnival vs. Private.

The excursions we wanted got us first off the Ship (didn't have to pay for FTTF).

Two of the excursions were the entire time of the docking. In fact, one of the excursions ended up arriving 20 minutes after last tender back to the Ship. We didn't have to worry about being left behind.

If Carnival was smart (and that's a big "if"), they would give FTTF the earliest Check-in Times, and the earliest Boarding Group (after Diamond/Platinum/Weddings). Then you can show up when you want, and board when you want. That would help maintain some of its value.

FTTF is not worth it to me since my wife prefers to sleep in and to check out of the hotel as late as she can. If the Cabin isn't ready when we board, I'd rather pre-tip the Cabin Steward to let us leave our bags in the closet out of his way, and hopefully get superior service during the cruise (to earn his end of cruise tip).

Use Carnival to find out the Lunch options for your ship. Everything but the MDR should be open on Embarkation Day.

Figure out in advance what you want to eat, and b-line for it. Maybe had a 2nd and 3rd choice, just in case. The more out of the way it is, the less likely it is to have a line.

Check your cabin. Even if it is not ready, ask if you can drop off your stuff (put the bags in the closet, out of the Cabin Steward's way).

Explore the ship. Each level, top to bottom, front to back. Just so you know where everything is.

 

1) Do you pack your own beach towels or use Carnival towels on excursions.

Use Carnivals. Not worth the hassle of washing your own beach towels. Also, you can exchange your Beach Towels when you return. They will either have a station when you return to exchange your towels, or go up to the Lido deck to that beach towel station. It keeps sand and unwanted critters out of your cabin.

2) Is it worth packing a little medical kit like bandaids, advil, Imodium etc?

Yes. keep it small. You also have what you want when you want it. Don't forget a bottle of sunburn lotion, just in case.

3) We have FTTF sailing out of Miami. We have our check-in time of 10:00am and I was wondering if there is a special place we go in the terminal or are terminal staff good in making sure you get to the right location?

Nope. There was a door to security at one end of the building, and another in the middle. For my cruise, the door in the middle were for the "priority" people. After Security, everyone goes to the same line, where there is a Carnival person directing you to the right check-in line.

4) Any tips or suggestions for first time cruisers?

Bring a stack of $1's, and a bunch of $5's. for tips and small purchases. Then you don't have to worry about exchanging currency (don't sweat the change for a $1 bill).

I have a credit card that does not tack on a Foreign Transaction Fee. Those are the best for larger purchases. You get a horrible exchange rate with Cash. In Cozumel, the store converted at 16 pesos to the USD whereas the spot exchange rate was 17.8 (17.62 after the 1% exchange rate fee that everyone charges). The worst credit cards charge a 3% fee, for a total of 4%, but that is still better than the 10% exchange rate the store offers.

Most of the events on the Fun times are really info-mercials. Learn to spot those. Go if you are interested.

I tipped the Cabin Steward $20 the first day, and gave him a written list of stuff I wanted (nothing unusual, just made sure he knew what was important to us). He was awesome, so I tipped him again when we left.

Take cab/transfers/etc., but don't drive yourself to the port. The port can be confusing (lack of obvious signage) for the first time cruiser.

We loved the Mixology Class at the Alchemy Bar. It is not an advertised event. If your ship has one, it is the best place for mixed drinks. You have to ask about the class. It tends to be on the last sea-day, and they tell their best customers about it. If you know about it, ask, and they will let you sign up. Ask about it 2 days before the last sea-day.

Although there are a lot of food options, don't go out of your way for any of it. I am a foodie. I made it a point to try everything that was free. Just eat what you like, but don't fee like you have to try Guy's Burgers, or anything. At the MDR, order two of everything. The portions are on the small side. Also, if you don't like something, you have an alternative. For the Dinner, I tended to order the Indian Vegetarian dish along with another entree. I did make it a point to order something I would not normally order: Frog Leggs, Ox Tongue, Rabbit, etc.

FYI: With that many rooms, you should be working with the hotel's group desk to reserve a block of rooms at a discount.

Also, they might be able to help you with transportation of the group to the port.

We just did a 7-day that included: Grand Cayman, Mahogany Bay, Belize, and Cozumel.

In Grand Cayman, we did the Dolphin and Stingray encounter. Make sure you pick the right excursion. Get the Dolphin one that includes being pushed by the dolphin, and being pulled by the dolphin.

In Mahogany Bay, we did the Snuba excursion. It was ok. Snuba is half way between snorkling and scuba diving. It was a unique experience. However, the site also had Zip Line, monkey tour, and its own beach. The beach at the cruise dock is quite crowded, so the private beach on the snuba excursion was nice. Also, they only charged $35 USD to do the zip line, so I took them up on that offer.

In Belize, we did the excursion to the Myan ruins.

In Cozumel, we did the Amazing River excursion. It is run by Rio Secreto.

If they provided 4 towels per cabin per day (2 towels per person per day, not including the beach towel), I could live with once a day cabin service.

Hotels is such a personal choice. Cost vs. quality/location.

With 60 people, you are going to overwhelm any hotel's shuttle service. Two options are:

1) Arrange a bus for the group. Also try calling the airport shuttle companies for a group rate.

2) Get a hotel at the Airport, and use Carnival's transfer service.

Maybe if you talk with Carnival, they might be willing to arrange a transfer service from any nearby hotel for a group that large.

We sailed the following week on the Western Caribbean itinerary, and the menus were identical.

Note: Although the Indian Dish reads the same each night, it is different. After the first 2 nights, I ordered it as a 2nd dish every night.

If you go on Hotwire, there is a hotel in the "Miami Intl Airport (MIA) West - Doral area hotel" for $101 with 80% recommended.

I did a similar booking a few weeks ago, and the hotel was the Extended Stay America on 25th St (not 87th Ave).

I rented a car, so I don't know what shuttles they have. Even if you have to Uber it from there, it is still cheaper overall.

Rum runner's will make the "sparkling" go flat.

IMHO, it looks close enough to a champagne bottle, that they will probably let it through. On my trip last week, they didn't even look at the bottles and cans we were bringing on. Maybe go at a busy time when they want to keep the line moving, and don't want to bother with people that are within the limit with stuff that looks legitimate on the x-ray machine.

Looks like the USD peaked in January. IMHO, the trend is your friend with currencies. However, watch it closely for a sign of reversal.

Maybe pay some now (25%, or exchange some CAD for USD), and continue to watch it for the rest.

If you lose your S/S card or it gets demagnetized, the replacment will not open your safe. You have to get security to come open it which can be a hassle. This is the main reason I don't use my S/S card on the safe.

That is true for any card you loose or gets demagnetized. The problem is not unique to the S&S card.

I used the S&S card for a week on the Glory, and had no problem. Since I had to carry the S&S card whenever I left the room, it was a convenient magnetized card to use.

BTW: The S&S card came with a pre-punched hole, and I wore it around my neck for most of the week.

Trust me I'm a dedicated Uber user at home and on travel, but in NO the Uber has to adhere to the flat taxi rate to/from the airport which is $70+!

What about taking Uber to a nearby hotel, and then taking Uber from there to the Port?